On Tuesday the 29th of May, four King's High School students competed at the Otaru Annual Japanese Speech Competition. The results from all students were impressive and Callum Toomey took out the top prize in his section.

Alternative section (native speakers / more than six months in Japan).

This section consisted of a three minute Japanese Speech, followed by judges' questions in Japanese. Cody Jowsey (Y12) won this section and was awarded a $150 prize. Leo Koyama (Y11) was the runner up and received a $50 prize.

Senior section

This section required students to give a five minute Japanese Speech, followed by judges' questions in Japanese. This is a highly contested section as the winner receives an all expenses paid trip to Japan to compete in the Japanese Speech Competition in Tokyo in July. 

Kelsey Campen (Y12) and Callum Toomey (Y13) presented their speeches well and gave interesting answers to the judges. The level of language was extremely high and the judges deliberated for a long time before awarding first and second place. Kelsey was awarded a certificate for his efforts. He is looking forward to competing again next year. I am extremely pleased to announce that Callum Toomey won the competition! He spoke with great confidence and fluency and had the judges/audience laughing. Callum is now heading to Japan at the end of July for 10 days (all expenses paid) to compete against students from 15 different countries. This is an amazing result and we wish him well for this up coming competition.
Congratulations to all the boys. This is the first time King's High School has won at this competition, and to take out both sections is fantastic. Mrs Marsh and I are very proud of their efforts and hard work.

Kris Baker, Japanese Teacher